The number of people missing in Victoria has risen from 17 to 28 people as catastrophic bushfires continue to tear through Victoria's east.
Premier Daniel Andrews on Friday said 28 people were unaccounted for and two people confirmed dead from the East Gippsland fires.
"Of course, we have grave fears for the safety and wellbeing of those 28 people who cannot be located," Mr Andrews told reporters on Friday morning.
He said a number of people who were among the 17 people originally listed missing had been located.
"There's been some other people who we've not even been able to necessarily determine as being missing who have never made it onto a list, but have become known to family and friends only very recently, after a period of absence.
"These numbers will move around. That's the nature of a very dynamic fire ground."
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews speaks to Jilly Brown and husband Mel, who lost their 120-year-old Sarsfeild Home and accommodation business. Source: AAP
A State of Disaster was declared for Victoria's East Gippsland region late on Thursday, giving authorities the power to force people to evacuate.
"If you can leave, you must leave. If you don't, we simply cannot guarantee your safety," Mr Andrews said.
"You may well find yourself isolated and cut off for an extended period of time after fire activity."
While police have the power to compel people to leave, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said they won't arrest people who refuse to go.
"We're not going to be dragging people down the street, forcing them to leave," Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said.
A second person was confirmed dead on Thursday after a man's body was found at a property in Maramingo Creek, near Genoa, by family on Wednesday evening.
"It is believed the man suffered a medical episode while fighting the fires," Victoria Police said in a statement.
Earlier on Thursday, family members confirmed Buchan man Mick Roberts as the first fatality of the fires in the state.
An evacuation order is in place for northeastern communities including Biggara, Tintaldra, Towong, Towong Upper, Walwa, Nariel Valley, Lucyvale, Berringama,Koetong, Shelley and Burrowye
Mount Buller, Mount Hotham and the Mount Stirling Alpine Resorts are also covered by the order.
The military is assisting in the evacuation of thousands of people stranded in the far eastern town of Mallacoota after fires ripped through on Monday.
About 1000 were expected to be brought out via sea on Friday morning, with more to follow.
"These are unprecedented times. This is a fire season of firsts," Mr Andrews said.
